U.S. patent number 7,552,603 [Application Number 12/142,654] was granted by the patent office on 2009-06-30 for channeled moisture management sock.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Dahlgren Footwear, Inc.. Invention is credited to Raymond Dahlgren.
United States Patent |
7,552,603 |
Dahlgren |
June 30, 2009 |
Channeled moisture management sock
Abstract
An improved moisture transfer interface for knit products, such
as socks. The interface requires a first knit portion comprising
predominately hydrophilic yarn and a second knit portion comprising
predominately hydrophobic yarn. The first and second knit portions
each possess elongated fingers of their respective yarns which are
interlocked with one another. Moisture that is absorbed by the
hydrophilic first knit portion is wicked into the hydrophobic
second knit portion and subsequently evaporates. The interlocked
fingers provide a more effective moisture transfer interface than a
non-fingered interface.
Inventors: |
Dahlgren; Raymond (Tualatin,
OR) |
Assignee: |
Dahlgren Footwear, Inc.
(Tualatin, OR)
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Family
ID: |
40158832 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/142,654 |
Filed: |
June 19, 2008 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20090000339 A1 |
Jan 1, 2009 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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60945511 |
Jun 21, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
66/185;
2/239 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B
11/00 (20130101); D04B 1/26 (20130101); D04B
1/12 (20130101); A41B 2400/60 (20130101); D10B
2403/0114 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
D04B
9/46 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;66/182-188
;2/239,272 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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60-126357 |
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Jul 1985 |
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JP |
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61-47854 |
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Mar 1986 |
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JP |
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Other References
Wignall, H. "Hosiery Technology", United Outer Wear Assoc., 1968,
N.Y., N.Y., pp. 63-64. cited by other.
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Primary Examiner: Worrell; Danny
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Smith-Hill & Bedell, P.C.
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) from
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/945,511, filed Jun. 21,
2007, entitled "Moisture Management Sock with Channels", and
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Claims
I claim:
1. An improved garment interface for transferring moisture in a
knit yarn product, the garment interface comprising: a first knit
portion having a general first knit length and a general first knit
width, and comprised predominately of hydrophilic yarn, said first
knit portion including a plurality of elongated finger portions
spaced-apart from one another and each having a general finger
length and a general finger width of significant dimension relative
to the first knit length and first knit width of the first knit
portion, said elongated finger portions defined by a respective
edge; and a second knit portion having a general second knit length
and a general second knit width, and comprised predominately of
hydrophobic yarn, said second knit portion including a plurality of
elongated finger portions each having a general finger length and a
general finger width of significant dimension relative to the
second knit length and second knit width of the second knit
portion, said elongated finger portions defined by a respective
edge, and sized and dimensioned to intermesh with the respective
elongated finger portions of the first knit portion, such that the
surface area of an interface contact formed between the respective
edge of the first knit portion and the respective edge of the
second knit portion is significantly increased, and wherein
moisture contained in the first knit portion is transferred across
the garment interface into the second knit portion by wicking
action.
2. The garment interface according to claim 1, wherein a
hydrophobic body yarn is knit throughout the first knit portion and
the second knit portion in a plated relationship with the
hydrophilic yarn of the first knit portion and the hydrophobic yarn
of the second knit portion.
3. The garment interface according to claim 2, wherein the
hydrophobic body yarn comprises stretch nylon, the hydrophilic yarn
of the first knit portion comprises cotton, and the hydrophobic
yarn of the second knit portion comprises acrylic.
4. The garment interface according to claim 1, wherein the
respective edge of the elongated finger portions of the first knit
portion define a sawtooth pattern, and wherein the respective edge
of the elongated finger portions of the second knit portion define
a sawtooth pattern that intermeshes with the respective sawtooth
pattern on the respective edge of the elongated finger portions of
the first knit portion.
5. The garment interface according to claim 1, wherein the garment
interface is generally in the shape of an elongated square
wave.
6. A moisture management sock comprising: a first knit portion
having a general first knit length and a general first knit width,
and comprised predominately of hydrophilic yarn, the first knit
portion including a plurality of elongated finger portions
spaced-apart from one another and each having a general finger
length and a general finger width of significant dimension relative
to the first knit length and first knit width of the first knit
portion, said elongated finger portions defined by a respective
edge; and a second knit portion, disposed adjacent the first knit
portion, having a general second knit length and a general second
knit width, and comprised predominately of hydrophobic yarn, the
second knit portion including a plurality of elongated finger
portions each having a general finger length and a general finger
width of significant dimension relative to the second knit length
and second knit width of the second knit portion. said elongated
finger portions defined by a respective edge, and sized and
dimensioned to intermesh with the respective elongated finger
portions of the first knit portion such that an improved moisture
transfer interface is formed by significantly increasing the
surface area contact between the respective edge of the elongated
finger portions of the first knit portion and the respective edge
of the elongated finger portions of the second knit portion, and
such that moisture flow is promoted by wicking action from the
first knit portion to the second knit portion.
7. The moisture management sock of claim 6, wherein the respective
edge of the elongated finger portions of the first knit portion
define a sawtooth pattern, and wherein the respective edge of the
elongated finger portions of the second knit portion define a
sawtooth pattern that intermeshes with the respect sawtooth pattern
on the respective edge of the elongated finger portions of the
first knit portion.
8. The moisture management sock of claim 6, wherein a hydrophobic
body yarn is knit throughout the first knit portion and the second
knit portion in a plated relationship with the hydrophilic yarn of
the first knit portion and the hydrophobic yarn of the second knit
portion.
9. The moisture management sock of claim 6, wherein the first knit
portion comprises a toe portion, and the second knit portion
comprises an instep portion.
10. The moisture management sock of claim 9, further including a
heel portion comprised predominately of hydrophilic yarn.
11. The moisture management sock of claim 9, wherein the heel,
instep, and toe portions include lower sections engageable with the
bottom of a wearer's foot and wherein the lower sections include
terry loops extending inwardly to engage the wearer's foot.
12. The moisture management sock of claim 9, further including an
ankle portion adapted to engage a wearer's ankle wherein the ankle
portion is knit from material comprising predominately hydrophobic
yarn, and whereby moisture is transferred by wicking action from
the heel portion to the ankle portion for evaporation.
13. The moisture management sock of claim 9, wherein the toe
portion engages the ball of a wearer's foot in addition to the
wearer's toes.
14. The moisture management sock of claim 8, wherein the
hydrophobic body yarn comprises stretch nylon, the hydrophilic yarn
of the first knit portion comprises cotton, and the hydrophobic
yarn of the second knit portion comprises acrylic.
15. The moisture management sock of claim 12, further including a
leg portion connected to the ankle portion and comprising
alternating bands knit from predominately hydrophobic yarn and
bands knit predominately from hydrophilic yarn.
16. The moisture management sock of claim 6, wherein the moisture
transfer interface is generally in the shape of an elongated square
wave.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to all types of socks, and more
particularly to an improved sock in which moisture distribution,
wicking, and evaporation, are improved by adding alternating
channels of hydrophilic and hydrophobic yarns which work to
respectively absorb and transfer the moisture absorbed by the
hydrophilic toe zone.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The moisture that occurs or develops in the foot area is necessary
and healthful; however, in excess, it is also uncomfortable.
Generally, it has been the practice to rely upon hydrophobic (i.e.
non absorbent) yarn worn against the skin to remove moisture away
from the skin. Hydrophobic yarns consisting of synthetic resinous
material (petroleum based) are non-absorbent, and can result in an
uncomfortably wet sock condition underfoot due to impeded air flow
and heat retentive characteristics of the yarn. There is need for
an improved sock in which moisture collection and disposition are
better managed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A moisture management sock is provided including a first knit
portion and a second knit portion disposed adjacent the first knit
portion. The first knit portion is comprised predominately of
hydrophilic yarn, and includes a plurality of elongated finger
portions spaced-apart from one another and defined by a respective
edge. The second knit portion is comprised predominately of
hydrophobic yarn, and also includes a plurality of elongated finger
portions defined by a respective edge. The second knit finger
portions are sized and dimensioned to intermesh with the respective
elongated finger portions of the first knit portion such that an
improved moisture transfer interface is formed by increasing the
surface area contact therebetween. In this manner moisture flow is
promoted by wicking action from the first knit portion to the
second knit portion.
In one specific embodiment, the moisture transfer interface is
generally in the shape of a square wave, having generally linear
sides.
Another specific embodiment provides a hydrophobic body yarn that
is knit throughout the first knit portion and the second knit
portion in a plated relationship with the hydrophilic yarn of the
first knit portion and the hydrophobic yarn of the second knit
portion. The hydrophobic body yarn comprises stretch nylon, the
hydrophilic yarn of the first knit portion comprises cotton, and
the hydrophobic yarn of the second knit portion comprises
acrylic.
In yet another configuration, the first knit portion comprises a
toe portion, and the second knit portion comprises an instep
portion. A heel or third knit portion is also provided that is
comprised predominately of hydrophilic yarn.
In another embodiment, the heel, instep, and toe portions include
lower sections engageable with the bottom of a wearer's foot and
wherein the lower sections include terry loops extending inwardly
to engage the wearer's foot. An ankle portion may also be included
that is adapted to engage a wearer's ankle wherein the ankle
portion is knit from material comprising predominately hydrophobic
yarn. The moisture is then transferred by wicking action from the
heel portion to the ankle portion for evaporation.
Still another specific configuration provides a leg portion
connected to the ankle portion and includes alternating bands knit
from predominately hydrophobic yarn and bands knit predominately
from hydrophilic yarn.
In another aspect of the present invention, an improved garment
interface is provided for transferring moisture in a knit yarn
product. The garment interface includes a first knit portion
comprised predominately of hydrophilic yarn and includes a
plurality of elongated finger portions spaced-apart from one
another and defined by a respective edge. A second knit portion is
comprised predominately of hydrophobic yarn, and includes a
plurality of elongated finger portions defined by a respective
edge. The corresponding finger portions are sized and dimensioned
to intermesh with the respective elongated finger portions of the
first knit portion, such that the surface area of an interface
contact formed between the respective edge of the first knit
portion and the respective edge of the second knit portion in
increased. Thus, the transfer of moisture contained in the first
knit portion across the garment interface into the second knit
portion by wicking action is enhanced.
DRAWING DESCRIPTION
The assembly of the present invention has other objects and
features of advantage which will be more readily apparent from the
following description of the best mode of carrying out the
invention and the appended claims, when taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawing, in which:
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view showing a sock assembly
incorporating an alternating channel design having interlocking
finger portions, constructed in accordance with the present
invention:
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sock assembly of FIG.
1, showing the structure of the toe and instep portion.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged, exploded perspective view of the toe and
instep portion, showing the interlocking finger portions.
FIG. 4 is a table showing improved results.
FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of an alternative embodiment to the
sock assembly of FIG. 1, incorporating moisture absorbent
rings.
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, side elevation view, in cross-section, of
a section of a user's sock and shoe, illustrating the directional
movement of the moisture from the hydrophilic to hydrophobic yarns
in the toe zone.
FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of alternative embodiment to the
sock assembly of FIG. 5.
FIG. 8 is a greatly enlarged view of the stitch loop construction
in the area of the central portion of the line 16 in FIG. 1.
FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of another alternative embodiment
to the sock assembly of FIG. 1, incorporating moisture absorbent
rings.
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the alternative
embodiment sock assembly of FIG. 9.
FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram of the first and second knit
portions of the sock assembly of FIG. 1, in a disassembled view,
illustrating a square-wave pattern of the moisture transfer
interface of the interlocking finger portions.
FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram of the interlocking finger portions
of FIG. 11A, in an assembled view.
FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram of the first and second knit
portions of the sock assembly, in a disassembled view, illustrating
an alternative embodiment sawtooth pattern of the moisture transfer
interface of the interlocking finger portions.
FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram of the sawtooth pattern
interlocking finger portions of FIG. 12A, in an assembled view.
FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram of the first and second knit
portions of the sock assembly, in a disassembled view, illustrating
a square-wave pattern of the interlocking finger portions having
sawtooth pattern edges.
FIG. 13B is a schematic diagram of the sawtooth edge interlocking
finger portions of FIG. 13A, in an assembled view
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the present invention will be described with reference to a
few specific embodiments, the description is illustrative of the
invention and is not to be construed as limiting the invention.
Various modifications to the present invention can be made to the
preferred embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing
from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. It will be noted here that for a better
understanding, like components are designated by like reference
numerals throughout the various figures.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a moisture management sock, generally
designated 10, is provided that includes a first knit portion 11,
comprised predominately of hydrophilic yarn, and a second knit
portion 13, comprised predominately of hydrophobic yarn. In
accordance with the present invention, however, the interfacing
edge between the first knit portion 11 and the second knit portion
13 is significantly lengthened, increasing the interfacing contact
between the hydrophilic yarn to the hydrophobic yarn. Consequently,
increased moisture flow is promoted via wicking action from the
hydrophilic yarn to the hydrophobic yarn.
In one specific embodiment, more particularly, the first knit
portion 11 includes a plurality of elongated channels or finger
portions 11a spaced-apart from one another and defined by a
respective edge 11d. The second knit portion 13 is disposed
adjacent the first knit portion 11, and includes a plurality of
elongated finger portions 13c defined by a respective edge 13d. The
finger portions 13c of the second knit portion are sized and
dimensioned to intermesh with the respective elongated finger
portions 11a of the first knit portion 11 such that an improved
moisture transfer interface 16 is formed by increasing the surface
contact between the respective edge 11d of the elongated finger
portions 11a of the first knit portion 11 and the respective edge
13d of the elongated channels or finger portions 13c of the second
knit portion 13. By increasing the surface contact at the transfer
interface 16, moisture flow is promoted across the interface by
wicking action.
The moisture management sock 10 of the present invention, in which
foot moisture is managed by the sock knit construction, preferably
includes three primary yarn zones: the cup-shaped, and channeled
first knit portion 11 at the toe of the sock; a smaller cup-shaped
third knit portion 12 at the heel of the sock; and a generally
tubular and channeled second knit portion 13 at instep and over the
instep.
The channeled first knit portion 11 is predominately comprised of
hydrophilic yarn (i.e. characterized as tending to absorb moisture
from the toe area of the wearer's foot), particularly at the
underside of the wearer's toes which the sock supports and
cushions. In accordance with the present invention, at the topside
region of the first knit portion 11, the plurality of alternating
channel or finger portions 11a are disposed which extend generally
rearward in a direction from a toe section 11c toward a heel or
third knit portion 12.
The third knit portion 12, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, of the sock
10 is also predominately comprised of hydrophilic yarn (i.e.
characterized as tending to absorb moisture from the heel area of
the wearer's foot). This is particularly true at the underside
portion 12b of the wearer's heel which the sock supports and
cushions. Third knit portion 12 also distributes moisture to the
second knit portion, yet to be described.
The channeled second knit portion 13 at the instep and over the
instep of the sock is located between the toe portion 11 and the
heel portion 12. Moisture absorbed from heel and toe regions is
transferred to the second knit portion, and on to the exterior
thereof as by wicking and evaporation (and through vent holes in a
surrounding shoe. See for example FIG. 6 showing a section 13a of
second knit portion 13, and moisture flow paths 14 from section 13a
through vent holes 15a in shoe section 15.). Again, similar to the
channeled design of first knit portion 11, the channeled second
knit portion 13 includes the plurality of alternating finger or
channel portions 13c that extend generally forward in a direction
from the heel section toward the toe section. These channels are
alternately spaced and oriented to mesh and interlock with the
channel portions 11a of the first knit portion, forming the
increased surface area contact interface 16 therebetween. This
interlocking channeled design significantly accelerates and
improves the amount of moisture drawn from the first knit portion
11 and distributed to the second knit portion 13 by increasing the
surface area of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic yarn interface 16,
to be described.
As shown, the first knit portion 11 is contiguous and joined
edgewise or coursewise to the second knit portion 13 at interface
16 extending about the sock forward of the instep. FIG. 2 best
illustrates that the alternating channel portions 11a, 13c of
hydrophilic and hydrophobic yarns work to respectively absorb and
transfer the moisture absorbed by the hydrophilic toe zone to the
hydrophobic second knit portion 13. As the perspiration and ambient
moisture is absorbed by the hydrophilic toe, the hydrophilic
channel portions 11a continue the absorption at a faster rate due
to increased surface area. The adjacent hydrophobic channel
portions 13c draw the moisture out of the hydrophilic zones. The
increased surface area at the interface improves the rate and
quantity of moisture moved away from the hydrophobic toe zone.
As mentioned, these channel portions 11a, 13c are alternately
spaced and oriented to mesh and interlock with one another at the
contact interface 16 generally between the upper second knit
portion 13a and the first knit portion 11 (FIGS. 1-3). Upon closer
inspection, as shown in FIG. 8, the terry knit loops T of the
hydrophilic yarn of the first knit portion 11 are interlocked and
intermeshed with the corresponding terry knit loops T the
hydrophobic yarn of the second knit portion 13. Such interlocking
terry loops is what creates the ability (via wicking action) to
flow the moisture across the contact interface 16.
In the preferred form, the intermeshing and alternating channel
portions 11a, 13c are generally rectangular, having substantially
linear sides, and extending in directions generally parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the sock. Accordingly, the contact interface
16 is generally in the shape of a square-wave. FIGS. 11A-B
illustrate a first knit portion 11 and second knit portion 13
featuring square-wave style channels. FIG. 11A depicts an enlarged
top plan view of the first knit portion 11 and second knit portion
13, in a disassembled state, that more clearly illustrate
respective interface edges 11d and 13d. FIG. 11B depicts first knit
portion 11 and second knit portion 13 in an assembled state so as
to more clearly illustrate resulting contact interface 16.
It will be appreciated, however, that other finger or channel
portion sizes and shapes may be incorporated as long as the surface
area of the moisture transfer interface significantly increased,
thus promoting enhanced moisture transfer thereacross. By way of
example, the finger portions or channels can be of unequal length,
as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Alternatively, the interfacing edges
between the interlocking channel portions may be sawtoothed, which
would function to increase the interface surface area contact even
more. FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, for instance, illustrate one
implementation of such a sawtooth pattern. FIG. 12A depicts first
knit portion 11 and second knit portion 13 in a disassembled state,
while FIG. 12B depicts the interlocking first knit portion 11 and
second knit portion 13 in an assembled state.
Alternatively, FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate yet another moisture
transfer interface having a square wave pattern with sawtooth
pattern edges. FIG. 13A depicts the first knit portion 11 and the
second knit portion 13 in the disassembled state, while FIG. 13B
represents the interlocking knit portions in an assembled
state.
As set forth in the TABLE of FIG. 4, tests have shown that the
improvement in moisture absorption between the present inventive
channeled design and our previously effective designs to be
significant. Such previously effective designs include those of
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,898,007; 5,511,323; 6,082,146 and 6,341,505, all
of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Such
channeled design has improved moisture absorption by as much as
about 40%.
In a similar manner, the third knit portion 12 is contiguous and
joined edgewise or coursewise to second knit portion 13 at U-shaped
interface edge 17. Although the Figures do not depict it to avoid
unnecessary complexity in the drawings, it is contemplated that the
contact interface between the hydrophilic heel knit portion 12 and
the hydrophobic second knit portion 13 can utilize the
above-described channel features for enhanced moisture transfer.
Yarns at the zones 11-13 have lower sections 11b, 12b, and 13b
engagable with the bottom of the wearer's foot, section 12b'.
Sections 11b, 12b and 13b typically have the form of a cushioned or
padded terry knit yarn, for extra comfort.
As shown in the portion of knit fabric of FIG. 8, needle wales W-3,
W-4 and W-5 are located in the upper half of the foot and needle
wales W-1 and W-2 are located in the lower half or sole of the
foot. The portion of the knit fabric in courses C-1, C-2 and C-3 is
located in the instep portion of second knit portion 13 and to the
left of the edge 16 while the courses C-4 and C-5 are located in
the ball portion of the toe first knit portion 11. The entire foot
is knit throughout of a hydrophobic binder or body yarn B while
additional hydrophilic yarn C (striped in FIG. 8) is knit in plated
relationship with the body yarn B in the first and third knit
portions 11, 12 (toe and heel portions), and additional hydrophobic
yarn N (plain in FIG. 8) is knit in plated relationship with the
body yarn B in the second knit portion 13 (instep and sole
portion). As shown, terry loops T are formed of the yarns C and N
in the sinker wales between the needle wales W-1, W-2 and W-2,
W-3.
In either athletic, leisure, or dress type socks, the latter of
which this design is particularly suitable for, the hydrophobic
body yarn B forms a base or ground fabric and is much smaller than
the additional hydrophobic yarn N and the additional hydrophilic
yarn C. For example, in an athletic type sock, it is preferred that
the body yarn B be a textured stretch nylon of two ply, 100 denier
(total of 200 denier), the additional hydrophobic yarn N be an
acrylic, such as Creslan, of two ends, 24 single count (equivalent
to 443 denier), and the additional hydrophilic yarn C be a 12
single count cotton yarn (equivalent to 443 denier). In this
particular example, the amount of the hydrophobic body yarn B is
substantially one-half the amount of the hydrophilic yarns C in the
first and third knit portions 11, 12 and the hydrophobic yarn N in
the second knit portion 13.
Thus, the first and third knit portions 11, 12 (toe and heel
portions) are knit predominately of hydrophilic yarn while the
second knit portion 13 (instep and sole portion) is knit entirely
of hydrophobic yarn. Opposite ends of the second knit portion 13
are joined edgewise or coursewise to the adjacent ends of the
corresponding first and third knit portions 11, 12 so that moisture
absorbed from the wearer's foot by the predominately hydrophilic
yarn C in the first and third knit portions 11, 12 (toe and heel
portions) is transferred by wicking action into the predominately
hydrophobic yarn N in the second knit portion 13 (instep portion)
to be evaporated therefrom, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 8,
showing the path of travel of the moisture from the first knit
portion (toe) 11 to the second knit portion (instep) 13. As shown
in FIG. 1, the toe portion 11 also includes an adjacent portion of
the foot of the sock which is adapted to engage and underlie the
ball of the wearer's foot. This ball portion is also knit
predominately of the hydrophilic yarn C.
While the hydrophobic body yarn B is knit throughout the sock, for
the purpose of providing sufficient stretch to the sock to fit a
range of foot sizes, it is to be understood that the sock can be
knit without a body yarn. In this instance, the first knit portion
(toe) 11 and the third knit portion (heel) 12 will be knit entirely
of hydrophilic yarn C and the second knit portion (instep) 13 will
be knit entirely of the hydrophobic yarn N. Thus, when the first
knit portion (toe) 11 and the third knit portion (heel) 12 are
described as being knit predominately of the hydrophilic yarn, this
is intended to also mean that these zones can be knit entirely of
the hydrophilic yarn as indicated in the TABLE A below where the
first and third knit portions 11 and 12 are indicated as being knit
of 100% hydrophilic yarn and the second and fourth knit portions 13
and 18 (to be described below) are indicated as being knit of 100%
Nylon or Creslan (hydrophobic) yarn.
In one specific embodiment, the moisture management sock 10 may
also include a fourth knit portion 18 which is generally tubular
and extends about the foot at ankle level, above the heel or third
knit portion 12, and wherein the yarn is predominately hydrophobic,
and typically merges with the yarn of instep second knit portion 13
at region 21. This fourth knit portion 18 tends to wick moisture
upwardly away from the upper part of heel or third knit portion 12
and to transfer such moisture to the exterior as by evaporation
just above shoe level, at the ankle region. FIGS. 1 and 2 also show
a sock upper tubular and cushioned portion 19 to fit about the
wearer's lower leg, and which also consists of hydrophobic yarn,
merging with the fourth knit portion 18, at edge 20.
The yarn at all three knit portions 11, 12 and 13, and also at the
fourth knit portion 18, is knit in plated relationship with the
synthetic resin binder or body yarn to enhance fit and to serve as
a backing for terry knit; and the yarn at the first and third
(hydrophilic) knit portions 11 and 12 typically includes cotton or
wool in an amount between 50 and 100 percent of the total yarn at
the first and second knit portions 11 and 12. Other applicable
hydrophilic yarns include alpaca, alpaca blended with merino,
cotton, silk, etc. Typically, there is little or no cotton yarn at
the second and fourth knit portions 13 and 18. The cotton yarn is
knit with the synthetic resin binder or body yarn at the first and
third knit portions 11 and 12, using conventional knitting machines
and plating processes, and most desirably, the amount of
hydrophilic yarn is about 75 percent of the total yarn at these
knit portions 11 and 12.
The synthetic resin binder or body yarn at all zones most desirably
includes resiliently stretchable Nylon, or equivalent; and the
synthetic resin yarn at zones 13 and 18 most desirably includes
Acrylic yarn, DriRelease, polyester or equivalent, in amounts
substantially greater than the Nylon yarn at the second and fourth
knit portions 13 and 18.
The following TABLE A shows the yarn proportions:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE A Portions or Preferred (%) Regions Yarn Range
(%) Athletic Dress 11 & 12 Hydrophilic 50-100 75 100 13 Nylon
50-0 25 0 Hydrophobic 50-100 75 100 18 Nylon 50-0 25 0 Hydrophobic
50-100 90 100
As set forth above, the Nylon binder or body yarn is a resiliently
stretchable, i.e. elastic, yarn, whereby the sock will stretch to
closely fit a wide range of foot sizes. If the sock is not to be
stretchable, Nylon binder or body yarn may be omitted, i.e. all
synthetic yarn may consist of Creslan, or equivalent.
Referring now to FIGS. 5, 9 and 10, another specific embodiment of
the moisture management sock 10 is illustrated which incorporate
either or both of a fifth and sixth knit portions 25 and 26. The
composition of both the fifth knit portion 25 and the sixth knit
portion 26 is predominately hydrophilic, and is substantially the
same as that of the first and third knit portions, as set forth in
the above TABLE A. The fifth and sixth knit portions 25 and 26
further enhance the moisture management effect, i.e. they collect
moisture and transfer it, via wicking action to the second and
fourth knit portions 13 and 18, for better transfer to the
exterior--i.e. away from the sock and foot at their respective
interface edges (e.g., interface edges 25a and 25b in FIG. 6).
The fifth knit portion 25 is spaced from and between the first and
third knit portions 11 and 12, and extends about the wearer's foot
in a loop or tube shape. As shown, the second knit portion 13
extends between the fifth knit portion 25 and the first and third
knit portions 11 and 12. The sixth knit portion 26, on the other
hand, is oriented above the wearer's ankle region with the material
of the fourth knit portion 18 extending above and below the sixth
knit portion 26, as shown.
FIG. 7 illustrates yet another specific embodiment of the moisture
management sock 10, typically for use in a boot on the wearer's
foot. In this configuration, alternating hydrophilic bands 35 and
hydrophobic bands 36 are provided, in addition to the structure as
described previously, which cooperate to transfer moisture up the
wearer's ankle.
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